Many fixed phrases and idioms are usually said with two prominent syllables, one of which is in the last word: // what with ONE thing and aNOther// I forgot all about her birthday. = (the reason I forgot is that I was very busy) He's been around so long// he's just PART of the FURniture//. = (so familiar that I no longer notice him) A: Why don't you ask them for your money back? B: Well// that's EAsier said than DONE//. = (it's a good idea, but it's difficult) They want me to go to Taiwan in January,// but that's OUT of the QUEStion//. = (cannot possibly happen)

Other examples include: a RACE against TIME it's just ONE of those THINGS to CALL it a DAY to SLIP [my] MIND I COULDn't believe my EYES

In some other fixed phrases and idioms, the last prominent syllable is not in the last word (see also Unit 36): She says she's going to get a new job// but I'll beLIEVE it when I SEE it//. = (I don't think it will happen) Somehow// we'd GOT our WIRES crossed// and she tured up a week early. = (we had understood things diferently) They'd like me to invest in the company now// but I want to SEE how the WND'S blowing// first. (= see how the situation develops before making a decision) // I've HAD my MONey's worth// out of this old car. I only paid £5OO for it and I've been driving it for years. = (it was good value)

Other examples include: THROW [ your] WEIGHT around [it]'s NOT to be SNEEZED at PUT [your] FOOT down a WHOLE new BALL game

Ruth returns Maggie's phone call and leaves this message on her
answering machine. Seven of the speech unit boundaries marked in Ruth's
message (with //) are unlikely to occur because they split fixed
phrases and idioms. Cross out the boundaries you think should not be
marked.Key.

Use the sentences with fixed phrases and idioms in exercise 2 (including the example) to complete this conversation.Key.

A: How did Nick get on in his exams last week?B: He took them in his stride. A: Didn't get nervous?B: (1) A: I suppose he'll be off to university next year?B: (2) A: But I thought he wanted to be a doctor.B: (3) A: He'd be crazy not to go to university.B: (4) A: His parents must be really annoyed.B: (5) _____________________________A: So what does he want to do now?B: (6) _____________________________

Now listen and check your answers. Finally, play the recording again.
Press 'pause' before each B part and read it aloud. Then press 'play'
again and compare your pronunciation with what follows.

Follow up: When
you learn a new short fixed phrase or idiom, practise saying it as one
speech unit. You may need to check with your teacher or a native
speaker of English which syllables are made prominent.